ionic bonding

• What types of elements form ionic compounds?

  Ionic compounds are formed between metals and non-metals.
• How do metallic elements form positive ions?

  Metallic elements form positive ions by losing electrons.
• How do non-metallic elements form negative ions?

  Non-metallic elements form negative ions by gaining electrons.
• What happens to the charges of ions in ionic bonding?

  The opposite charges attract each other forming a strong ionic bond.
• What is the arrangement of ions in an ionic solid?

  In an ionic solid, positive and negative ions are arranged in a regular pattern called a lattice.
• What shape do ionic solids have?

  All ionic solids are crystalline which means they have regular shapes.
• How are ions arranged in the lattice structure of ionic compounds?

  Each positive ion is surrounded by negative ions and each negative ion is surrounded by positive ions.
• What are the strong forces that hold ions in place in an ionic lattice?

  They are held in place by strong electrostatic forces.
• What is an example of an ionic compound lattice?

  The sodium chloride lattice consists of Na⁺ cations and Cl⁻ anions.
• How many Na⁺ ions are nearest neighbors to a Cl⁻ ion in the sodium chloride lattice?

  Six Na⁺ ions are nearest neighbors to a Cl⁻ ion.
• Why do ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points?

  Ionic compounds have high melting points because they have strong electrostatic forces that require a lot of energy to overcome.
• What happens to ionic solids when a small disturbance occurs in the lattice?

  A small disturbance in the lattice brings ions with the same charge in line with each other, leading to shattering of the structure.
• Why do ionic compounds dissolve easily in water?

  Ionic compounds dissolve easily in water because water molecules can fit between the ions and separate them.
• Why do ionic compounds not conduct electricity when solid?

  Ionic compounds do not conduct electricity when solid because the ions are held strongly in place and cannot move.
• When do ionic compounds conduct electricity?

  Ionic compounds conduct electricity when they are molten or dissolved because the ions are free to move.
• What happens to the ionic lattice when an ionic substance melts?

  When an ionic substance melts, the giant ionic lattice is broken.
• What must happen to free the ions during melting of ionic compounds?

  The ionic bonds must be broken to free the ions during melting.
• Why do ionic compounds require a lot of energy to melt?

  Ionic compounds require a lot of energy to melt because the ionic bonds are strong.
• What are the properties of ionic compounds?

  • High melting and boiling points due to strong electrostatic forces
  • Brittle structure that shatters upon disturbance
  • Easily dissolve in water due to polar water molecules
  • Do not conduct electricity when solid
  • Conduct electricity when molten or dissolved
• What happens to ionic compounds when they are melted?

  • The giant ionic lattice is broken
  • Ions become free to move around
  • Ionic bonds must be broken, requiring a lot of energy